BNP Vice Chairman and Feni-3 constituency candidate Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty are now safe only in the hands of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

“Tarique Rahman will be able to govern the country by utilizing the experience of his paternal and maternal clans in running the country,” he said while speaking at an election rally at the Sonagazi Government Mohammad Chhaber Model Pilot High School ground in the afternoon.

He added that the upcoming February 12 election will decide the country’s future direction — whether towards economic prosperity or conflict and violence. “If Tarique Rahman comes to power, the country will move towards prosperity. Development will happen regardless of party affiliation,” he said.

Abdul Awal Mintoo also urged voters to remain vigilant during polling. “Go to the polling station after Tahajjud and Fajr prayers, ensure the station is guarded, and return home with your vote slip. No one should take away your right to vote through malpractice,” he said.

He promised that if elected on the paddy symbol, he would devote himself to developing the constituency, including constructing a flyover in Lalpul, providing gas connections in Sonagazi, establishing an irrigation system, excavating canals, building a women’s college, introducing honors courses at Sonagazi Government Degree College, and improving roads, ghats, and medical facilities.

He added that a master plan would be made for the area’s overall development and law and order.

The rally was held under the chairmanship of Sonagazi Upazila BNP convener Joynal Abedin Bablu and moderated by member secretary Syed Alam Bhuiyan.

BNP Central Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Johnny and Adv. Shahana Akhter Shanu, District Jubo Dal joint conveners Gazi Habib Ullah Manik and Anwar Hossain Patwari, Upazila BNP senior joint convener Jamal Uddin Sentu, and District Krishak Dal General Secretary Shamsuddin Khokon, also addressed the rally.